Since we first started carrying NeoPixels back in 2012, the chainable RGB LEDs have taken over the world. And a big part of that success is due to the simplicity of their wiring - just one data wire, no matter how many pixels you've got.
Since we first started carrying NeoPixels back in 2012, the chainable RGB LEDs have taken over the world. And a big part of that success is due to the simplicity of their wiring - just one data wire, no matter how many pixels you've got.
3V to 5V supply input for the NeoPXL8 Friend level-shifter boost circuit; Adafruit states 10 mA max draw for the level-shifter supply, not NeoPixel strip power
Common ground line for the controller, level shifter, and external NeoPixel strip power wiring
3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 0; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output
3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 1; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output
3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 2; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output
3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 3; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output
3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 4; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output
3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 5; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output
3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 6; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output
3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 7; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output
Sixteen-pin NeoPixel output header with ground and 5V-logic signal in pairs for up to eight strands
Two RJ45 NeoPixel output connectors with ground and 5V-logic signal per twisted pair, matching OctoWS2811-style wiring
| Pin | Position | Type | Function | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V+ / boost input | power | 3V to 5V supply input for the NeoPXL8 Friend level-shifter boost circuit; Adafruit states 10 mA max draw for the level-shifter supply, not NeoPixel strip power | 3V to 5V input for level shifter boost; NeoPixel loads need separate chunky 5V power | |
| GND | ground | Common ground line for the controller, level shifter, and external NeoPixel strip power wiring | 0V reference | |
| D0 | signal | 3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 0; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output | 3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output | |
| D1 | signal |
I2S · 3V to 5V input for level shifter boost; NeoPixel loads need separate chunky 5V power · 0V reference
Verify supply voltage and logic levels before powering up.
Module pins: V+ / boost input, GND, D0, D1, D2, D3, D4, D5. Schematik maps them to your board in the app.
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| 3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 1; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output |
| 3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output |
| D2 | signal | 3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 2; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output | 3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output |
| D3 | signal | 3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 3; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output | 3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output |
| D4 | signal | 3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 4; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output | 3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output |
| D5 | signal | 3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 5; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output | 3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output |
| D6 | signal | 3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 6; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output | 3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output |
| D7 | signal | 3.3V controller data input for NeoPXL8 strand 7; shifted by the Friend to a 5V NeoPixel-compatible output | 3.3V logic input, shifted to 5V logic output |
| 8x2 Fadecandy-style header | connector | Sixteen-pin NeoPixel output header with ground and 5V-logic signal in pairs for up to eight strands | 5V logic signal outputs; strip power is supplied separately |
| RJ45 OctoWS2811-style connectors | connector | Two RJ45 NeoPixel output connectors with ground and 5V-logic signal per twisted pair, matching OctoWS2811-style wiring | 5V logic signal outputs; strip power is supplied separately |